SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: How to remove shift boot/console

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Old Aug 28, 2013 | 07:49 AM
  #1  
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How to remove shift boot/console

Hi,

I'm going to attempt to replace my broken shifter lever select (park lock lever).

http://www.onlinewholesaleparts.com/c141.html

I think I know what to do once I get the shifter assembly out.

But how do I get the shirt boot cover off..and then the shifter out?

Is there any docs/guides online?
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Old Aug 28, 2013 | 10:32 AM
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From: Norway
SL 55 and a GT 3000 vr4 Here's my car: http://home.online.no/~ludvs/index.cfm
How to change shifter

remove shifter lever.pdf

Last edited by rune solem; Aug 28, 2013 at 10:38 AM.
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Old Aug 28, 2013 | 10:40 AM
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From: Norway
SL 55 and a GT 3000 vr4 Here's my car: http://home.online.no/~ludvs/index.cfm
How to remove console

remove center console cover.pdf


Good luck with your repair.
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remove center console cover.pdf (357.4 KB, 366 views)
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Old Aug 28, 2013 | 10:40 AM
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Awesome thanks...but once I get the shift boot off Im gonna need to lift up the wood console to get to the shifter assembly..

Any idea on how I do that?
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Old Aug 28, 2013 | 04:05 PM
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From: Norway
SL 55 and a GT 3000 vr4 Here's my car: http://home.online.no/~ludvs/index.cfm
No, I don't know how to do that.

I got the dealer to change my shift lever.
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Old Aug 31, 2013 | 02:53 PM
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W124 E500 (RIP), W211 E350 (Sold), R230 SL55 (Current)
I just replaced my broken shift lever on my SL yesterday. Let me know if you have any questions.
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Old Aug 31, 2013 | 07:22 PM
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stuck HELP!

I started pulling my center console apart. Thanks for all the help on that.

But I must be missing a step.

I took the two side panels off. Un-did the three screws that hold the center wood on. Lifted the wood, ashtray, etc out. Now I can see the shifter assembly BUT much to my surprise -


there is a bar that connects the two sides together with two screws in it. It crosses directly over the shifter assembly - it's right over the shifter assembly. And it seems like I would have to lift up the entire center console (which goes right into the dash?!). I can't see any way to lift this up high enough to get in there to get to the shifter unit.

I thought once I got the center wood out I would be able to get to the three bolts holding in the ****er assembly. But this plastic/metal bar/beam connector sites right over the assembly and is blocking me to getting to the shifter assembly.

Do I have to take out the center console glovebox?
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Old Aug 31, 2013 | 07:30 PM
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The middle plastic piece can be a PITA, but it doesn't really stop you from getting the shifter assembly out. Once you unscrew the 3 bolts holding the actual shifter in place, you can just slide it forward and take it out. (Provided you take off all the plugs, harnesses, and shift cable attached to it). I had to unclip the shifter cable from the bottom of the car.
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Old Aug 31, 2013 | 07:41 PM
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seems like that bar is blocking access to the bolts....and will I have to remove the shifter cable?
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Old Aug 31, 2013 | 07:49 PM
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Ah yes, it is blocking access to the bolts. I used a drill bit to make decent sized holes right on top of the bottom bolts. Yep, the shifter cable has to be disconnected. You will see it from under the car.
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Old Aug 31, 2013 | 07:53 PM
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ah..! I see ..I could try that.


I noticed the very front bolt that holds the shifter assembly on has this rod covering it. How do I get that golden colored rod (has a clip on it) out of the way to get to the front most bolt on the shifter assembly?

Also. I guess it's the shifter cable that has that white clip that goes into the assembly? Does that just pull out?

Last edited by krypto; Aug 31, 2013 at 08:00 PM.
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Old Aug 31, 2013 | 07:59 PM
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The rod actually slightly slides in, so you have juuuust enough movement to put your socket in there and unscrew it. The white clip on the front side of the assembly needs to be unclipped, but that is not the shifter cable.
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Old Aug 31, 2013 | 08:04 PM
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gotcha...


so once I get the three bolts out..and undo the white clip on that one connection...

I should be able to lift out the shifter assembly? Now I see on the videos that there is another connection under the assembly where it connects to the transmission. But that one looks like I can just lift up the assembly and pop off the connector..is that correct? Will I have to undo my shifter cable?
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Old Aug 31, 2013 | 08:05 PM
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That cable where it connects to the tranny is the shifter cable (located almost under the shift assembly). There is very small room to unclip/disconnect it from the top, so I opted to remove it from the under side of the car.
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Old Aug 31, 2013 | 08:14 PM
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on no.....I don't have a lift or anything....will I be able to disconnect it without removing the cable from under the car?

(thanks for all your help..btw)

Last edited by krypto; Aug 31, 2013 at 08:17 PM.
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Old Aug 31, 2013 | 08:58 PM
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Hmm, I've heard of some people disconnecting it from the top, but there is very little room. You might need some long narrow pliers.

(no problem).
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Old Aug 31, 2013 | 09:15 PM
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okay....I'll try it tomorrow..

Thanks again for all your help.
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